The CTC Voluntary Achievement Awards are for the people and groups who deserve the most recognition for their achievements as volunteers in 2012. If you know of any unsung heroes – whether groups or individuals – send your nominations by 15 February 2013.

Cycling not a risky business says research

CTC has responded after the airing on Wednesday of ‘The War on Britain’s Roads’, the BBC One documentary about cycling. The programme, which used helmet cam footage to show incidents involving riders, pedestrians and motor vehicles, had been widely condemned as “irresponsible rubbish” following preview screenings. Despite the final version omitting some of the more controversial footage, however, it still provoked a furious reaction from many commentators, including Edmund King, President of the AA and a cyclist himself. Meanwhile, new research indicates that cycling is not as dangerous as the film might have portrayed: as reported in The Times this week, cycling is far safer than driving for men under 21. Academic Dr Mindell said: “This research dispels the idea that risk for UK cyclists is substantially higher than for drivers or pedestrians."

Special deliveries

As Christmas approaches, you may be wondering how to lug all your shopping home without resorting to public transport or the car. Well, your bike may be the answer, judging by the results of a recent CTC trial, which asked people who had never done it to try ‘Shopping by bike’. 77 cyclists took part, with the vast majority saying they enjoyed the experience. All kinds of goods were carried, including musical instruments and televisions! Meanwhile, residents of Coventry may find their letters and parcels arriving not by the traditional red postal van or bike but by a yellow jersey clad cyclist, after Yellow Jersey Delivery won the contract.

(Un)sung heroes

2012 will be a year remembered not only for Team GB's great athletic success in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, but also for the fantastic work done by the volunteer Games Makers. CTC member and National Standard instructor Wendy Creed was lucky enough to be selected to work at the velodrome for the duration of both events, alongside several other CTC members. She has now joined her fellow Games Makers in recording charity single ‘I Wish For You The World’, which will feature during this year’s Sports Personality of the Year ceremony on December 16. The shortlist features no fewer than three cyclists, with Bradley Wiggins the bookies’ favourite.

Capital improvements

London cyclists may be reeling after the horrors seen in 'The War on Britain’s Roads' but TfL's recently announced ‘cycle super corridor’ might cheer them up. The plans, whilst not perfect, include significant improvements to junctions and also Vauxhall Bridge. If you regularly ride in the capital, you have until 11 January if you want to comment on the plans.

Going up The Wall

Mountain bikers in Wales are going to be jumping for joy after the opening of some new sections on the popular red-graded The Wall trail. Named Alpha, Elevator and Omega, the new sections of singletrack feature berms, jumps, switchbacks and North Shore.

Santa's little helpers

Rather more sedate fun can be had tomorrow on Stourbug’s ‘Elves and Santas’ ride. Based in Stourbridge in the West Midlands, Stourbug is a CTC-affiliated club that welcomes riders of all types and abilities. Cyclists are encouraged to dress up in seasonal gear for the 40-mile ride, which will raise money for a local hospice. In the New Year, the club is organising a series of events for novice riders.

Get Britain Cycling enquiry - CTC's response

CTC’s has responded to the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group inquiry ‘Get Britain Cycling’ by outlining the many ways in which the road environment, road safety policy, traffic law and the work of schools, businesses and government departments can contribute to improving conditions for cycling. Oral evidence sessions to the inquiry will commence in January 2013 and the final report will be published in April

Christmas solved

Still stuck for present ideas and starting to panic? Don’t worry, Cotswold Outdoor has a wide range of gifts for everybody who loves the open air – and better still, CTC members enjoy a 15% discount on non-sale items. To obtain the discount code, log in to CTC’s website and go to Member Benefits – you will need to register with the site first if you have not already done so.

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